Stapling machine having retractable clinching anvils



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W. SCHAFROTH STAPLING MACHINE HAVING RETRACTABLE CLINCHING ANVILS Filed March 26, 1946 WMU".

6 Sheets-Sheet 1 I N V EN TOR. MEZA/Ez 5c HA Fao TH H /5 A TToZ/VE Y Nw., 22, 1949 w. scHAFRoTH 2,488y94@ STAPLING MACHINE HAVING RETRACTABLE CLINCHINC' ANVILS Filed March 26, 1946 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Azo ZNVENTOR.

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STAPLING MACHINE HAVING RETRACTABLE CLINCHING ANVILS Nov. Z2, 1949 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed March 26, 1946 Ffa@ /7 INVENTOR. ScHA/-EOTH Hfs Arroz/V5- 1f.

MEA/EZ Nov. Z2, i949 W. SCHAFROTH STAPLING MACHINE HAVI-NG RETRACTABLE CLINCHING ANVILS e sheets-sheet 5 Filed March 26, 1946.

IN VEN TOR. WEZ/VEZ 5c HA Feo TH Nov. 22, 1949 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed March 26, 1946 Patented Nov. 22, 1949 STAPLING MACHINE HAVING RETRACTABLE CLINCHING ANVILS Werner Schafroth, Brookline, Pa., assigner to International Staple and Machine Company, Clifton Heights, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application March 26, 1946, Serial No. 657,087

a type of stapling machine which is capable of driving staples into material under those conditions when only one face of the material is available and it is not possible nor practical to support or back the material from the opposite face. Stapling machines of this character consist essentially of a pair of anvils which are rst driven into the material after which the staples are driven onto the anvils. The anvils are subsequently withdrawn and this type of stapling machine has therefore become known as a retractable anvil stapling machine.

Ordinarily, a stapling machine is employed for the purpose of joining together two pieces of material such as the ilaps of a carton which may be either in abutting or overlapping relation. However, these are certain other uses to which a stapling machine of the retractable anvil type is believed to be adapted and this invention is concerned primarily with the provision of a stapling machine of the retractable anvil type that is adapted to such specific uses.

There are occasions when it is desirable that a staple not only pierce or penetrate the material into which it is driven but also be clinched about an article or member that is imbedded within this material. A good example of this condition is the anchoring of the ends of springs in mattresses. If these springs are to be secured in position by staples, it is essential that the staple pierce the burlap or other material employed as the mattress casing and be clinched about the end of a spring at the same time compressing a certain amount of the mattress material about the spring so as to achieve a connection between the material and the spring. Another example which might be cited is the closing of the ends of stockinets about ham butts, picnic shoulders, and the like, Wherein it is important that a staple compress the material ci the stockinet about the bone over which the staple is clinched.

With the foregoing conditions in mind, the present invention has in view as its foremost objective the provision, in a stapling machine which includes a pair of retractable anvils, of mechanism for imparting to the anvils a compound movement. This movement should include two separately identiiied components. The iirst is a straight outward movement away from the machine and which componentwill cause the anvils to pierce the material being Stained, and this 11 Claims. (Cl. 1-3) component is followed by a movement of the anvils towards one another whereby they are moved into a position encompassing the particular member around which staples are to be clinched.

Another highly important object of the invention is to provide, in a retractable anvil stapling machine of the'type indicated, means for positively guiding and controlling the anvils during this compound movement to positively eliminate any oating action. It is highly important that the anvils be positively moved into their clinching position so that material such as the burlap in a mattress will be compressed about the member over which the staple is clinched, such as the spring of the mattress.

From the very nature of the holding function required of a staple which is clinched by the stapling machine of this invention, it is desirable if not actually essential that the free ends of the staple in their nally clinched position assume a side by side overlapping relation. With this desideratum in mind, a further object of the invention is to provide, in a retractable anvil stapling machine of the character noted, a pair of complemental anvils, each of which is formed with a groove that is adapted to receive a leg of the staple and function as a guide therefor during the staple clinching operation. The free end of the groove in one anvil is offset at one side with respect to the free end of the groove in the other anvil so that as a staple is driven, the free ends of the staple legs willV pass one another and assume the side by side overlapping relation that is so essential. When anvils of this type are employed it is possible to drive a narrow staple which in its ultimate position assumes substantially the formation of a circle or ring.

In all retractable anvil-stapling machines, it is necessary to provide for the driving of the anvils first and then the driving of'a staple onto the anvils. In accordance with the present invention these two driving operations are accomplished by a single stroke of the plunger of the stapling machine. Important features and advantages of the invention are tied up with the provision of operating connections between the anvils and the plunger. These will become apparent as the description of the invention proceeds.

Various other more detailed objects and advantages of the invention such as arise in connection with carrying out the above noted ideas in a practical embodiment will, in part become apparent, and in part be hereinafter stated as the description oi the invention proceeds.

The invention therefore comprises a retractable anvil stapling machine which includes a pair of complemental retractable anvils that are positively guided and controlled during a compound movement which provides for the anvils being rst moved outwardly to penetrate material and then together into position encompassing a member about which a staple is to be clinched. The anvils are formed with complemental guide grooves, the ends of which are laterally offset to cause the ends of a staple to assume a side by side overlapping relation in clinched position.

For a full and more complete understanding of the invention, reference may be had to the following description and accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure l is a perspective view of a retractable anvil stapling machine designed in accordance with the precepts of this invention.

Figure 2 is a side view mainly in elevation but with parts shown in section of the plunger and mechanism immediately associated therewith.

Figure 3 is a view in side elevation of the lower ,end of the plunger and the operating connections for the anvils which are connected thereto.

Figure 4 is a horizontal section through the machine being taken about on the plane represented by the line 4-1I of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a detailed perspective of the plunger and certain elements carried thereby.

Figure 6 is a detailed perspective of one of the retractable anvils.

Figure 7 is a view in front elevation of a partition plate which is included in the casing structure and which is formed with cam slots for guiding the anvils.

Figure 8 is a detailed horizontal section taken about on the plane represented by the line 8-8 of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a detailed perspective of the back plate of the casing.

Figure 10 is another detailed perspective developing the slider plate which is included in the operating connections between the plunger and the anvils together with certain parts that are associated therewith and shown in exploded relation.

Figure il is an elevational view taken from the front with the front casing plate removed and showing the plunger and certain other elements in position at the start of a staple driving cycle.

Figure l2 is a view similar to Figure l1 showing the position of the several elements after the staples have been driven to clinching position.

Figure 13 is another view similar to Figures 11 and 12 illustrating the position of the mechanism after a staple has been driven.

Figure 14 is an elevational view looking from the rear with the rear casing plate removed and showing one of the anvils at the beginning of a cycle.

Figure 15 is a view similar to Figure 14 showing both of the anvils in clinching position.

Figure 16 is another View similar to Figures 14 and 15 showing a staple as driven onto the anvils and clinched thereby.

Figure 17 is a detailed showing in elevation of a pair of modified anvils which may be employed; and

Figure 18 is a perspective view of the machine with parts broken away and shown in section to permit illustration of internal features of the machine.

General assembly The retractable anvil stapling machine of this invention consists essentially of a casing structure which houses the moving parts and which also functions as a guide for the moving elements; a plunger together with means for actuating the plunger; a pair of retractable anvils together with mechanism for operatively connecting the anvils to the plunger and guiding them during their movement; a staple driving blade that is carried by the plunger; and a magazine for receiving a supply of staples to be driven. Each of these parts will now be described in detail.

The casing structure The casing structure includes a front casing plate Il which is formed with a cam slot 43 having a vertical leg and a downwardly inclined leg. The purpose of this cam slot will later become apparent. The outer face of the front casing plate i I carries a spring seat 2S for a purpose to be later described.

Secured to the inner face of the front casing plate Il at the respective side edges thereof are a pair of side casing members I3 and I4. EX- tending inwardly from the side member I3 is a rib or bead 32 which cooperates with the front casing wall Ii to provide a groove-like passage 30. Likewise, extending inwardly from the side member i4 is a rib or bead 33 which cooperates with the front casing plate II to define a groovelike passage 3l. The passages 30 and 3| are in oppositely confronting relation and cooperate to function as a guide for a member that is received therein as will be later described.

Secured against the inner end edges of the casing side members I3 and I4 and against which it is held in abutting relation with respect to these edges is a partition plate I5. This partition plate I5 is formed with a pair of upper straight slots 48 and 49 which are symmetrically spaced apart and a pair of lower cam slots 58 and 5'! which are of somewhat irregular formation as depicted in Figure 7. The purpose of these slots 48, 49, 56 and 5l will later be described.

Held against the partition plate I5 on the face opposite to that which is engaged by the casing side members I3 and I4 are a pair of side plates IE and I'I. A rear casing plate I2 bears against the side plates I6 and I'I. It is notable that the partition plate I5, the side plate I'I, and the rear casing plate I2 cooperate to dene a passage 59 that is intended to receive one of the anvils as Will be later described. Likewise, the partition plate I5, side plate I6, and the rear casing plate l2 cooperate to deiine another passage 5l for receiving the other of the anvils. Also, entering into the definition of these anvil passages 50 and 5I is a vertical member 63 that is mounted on the inner face of the rear casing plate l2 and which is formed with a vertical groove or passage 62 which accommodates the staple pusher as will be later described. Mounted on the outer face of the rear casing plate I2 is another spring seat 25 which corresponds to the spring seat 26 on the front casing wall I I.

The front casing wall Il, side members I3 and I4, partition plate I5, side plates I6 and I7, and rear casing plate I2 may be maintained in assembled relation in any preferred manner such as by the screw bolt and nut assemblies (not designated) which are illustrated in the drawings 4and which pass through aligned openings in the respective parts. As is clearly brought out in Figures 1 and 18, the side plates I6 and I1 and the partition plate I5 extend up from the bottom a distance that is in the neighborhood of one-half the height of the front and rear plates II and I2. Moreover, the rear casing plate I2 is somewhat thinner where the side plates I6 and I1 are connected thereto. The side members YI3 and I4 extend up above the partition plate I5 but are still somewhat shorter than the front and rear casing plates Il and I2. A cap member (not designated) spans the front and rear casing plates I I and I2 at the top.

The plunger A plunger is designated I and is shown as mounted for reciprocation in a channel dened by front casing plate I I, rear casing plate I2, and side members I3 and I4. Secured to the upper end of the plunger I9 is a connecting rod I8 which passes through the cap member aforesaid. Carried by the upper end of the connecting rod I8 is a piston I9 that is slidably received in a cylinder 29. The closed end of the cylinder 29 is provided with an opening 2| through which a pressure medium is adapted to be introduced into the cylinder 29 to actuate the piston I9 and thereby drive the plunger I9 downwardly.

The connecting rod i3 carries a crossbar 24, and a pair of springs 22 and 23 are disposed between this crossbar 24 and the spring seats 25 and 26. As the plunger l is driven downwardly these springs 22 and 23 are compressed so that when the actuating pressure is relieved the springs 22 and 23 will be eilective to retract the plunger into its upper position which it assumes at the beginning of a staple driving cycle.

It is noted that the piston and cylinder assembly I9 and 2G together with the springs 22 and 23 are merely illustrative of one means which may be employed for actuating the plunger IIJ. The invention is not to be limited in this respect as any means or mechanism for actuating the plunger may be employed.

The anvils An anvil 44 is operatively mounted in the passage or channel 5I while a complemental anvil 45 is similarly received in the passage 50. The anvil 45 is shown in detail in Figure 6, and it will be noted that this anvil includes a piercing head or end that is pointed and formed with a guide groove SI onto which the free end of a staple is driven. rlhe anvil 44 is formed with a complemental guide groove 69 and when these anvils assume the position depicted in Figures l5 and 16 the free ends of the grooves 59 and BI are laterally oiset so that the staple ends which are guided thereby may pass one another and assume a side by side overlapping relation.

The anvil 44 carries a pin 54 on which is rotatably mounted a roller 52 that is received in the cam slot 56. Likewise, the anvil 45 carries a pin 55 on which is rotatably mounted a roller 53 that is received in the cam slot 51.

The upper end of the anvil 44 is formed with an opening which receives a pin 46 that extends through the straight slot 49 with the end remote from the end that is secured to the anvil 44 anchored to a slider plate 39 which is mounted for reciprocation in the space dened by the partition plate l5, side members i3 and I4, and the ribs or beads 32 and 33. In a similar manner the upper end of the anvil 45 is formed with an opening which receives a pin 41 that extends through the straight slot 49 and is anchored to the slider plate 39.

Secured to the upper end of the slider plate 39 and substantially centrally thereof is a pin 38 which extends outwardly from the face of the slider plate 39 that is remote from the partition plate I5. An arm or link 31 is pivotally mounted on this pin 38. This arm 31 assumes a depending position with respect to the pin 38 and its lower free end carries a pin 36 on which are mounted a pair of rollers 35 and 42. The roller 42 is received in the cam slot 43 formed in the front casing plate II while the roller 35 is received in a cam slot 34-40 that is formed in a cam plate 21. The cam plate 21 is secured to the plunger II) and is provided with tongues 28 and 29 which are received in the passages 30 and 3I whereby the cam plate 21 is accurately guided as it reciprocates with the plunger Ill.

Briey summing up the operation of the above described mechanism which causes the anvils 44 and 45 to be driven by the plunger Ill, it is noted that at the beginning of a driving cycle the roller 35 on the pin 36 of the arm 31 is received in the horizontal end portion 40 of the cam slot 34-4IL At the same time the roller 42 is received in the vertical leg of the cam slot 43 in the front casing wall I I. As the plunger Il) is moved downwardly a corresponding motion is imparted to the cam plate 21. This is transmitted through the roller 35 and thence through the arm 31 to the slider plate 39.

As the slider plate 39 is moved downwardly this downward motion is transmitted through the pins 46 and 41 to the anvils 44 and 45. This downward movement is continued up to the point where the anvils have reached their nal clinching position at which time the roller 42 will have been subjected to the camming influence of the inclined leg of the cam slot 43. This moves the roller 42 together with the pin 39 and roller 35 to the right (speaking with reference to the showing of Figures l and 18). This causes the roller 35 to be moved over into the vertical portion 34 of the cam slot 34-40. The plate 21 and plunger I0 may now be moved downwardly Without affecting the slider plate 39 and the anvils 44 and 45 which are operatively connected thereto.

Staple driving mechanism A magazine for a supply of staples is represented at 63. This magazine will include a supply of staples such as shown at 59. The magazine 56 extends outwardly from the outer face of the rear casing plate I2 and the latter is formed with an opening 61 which permits the passage of a staple 59 therethrough. A. staple pusher 53 has its upper end connected to the plunger Il) and the staple pusher 59 is received in the groove 52 whereby it is guided in its reciprocal movement. The lower end of the staple pusher 53 is shaped to conform to the shape of a staple being driven, this being clearly brought out in Figures 5, 14, l5 and 16.

Operation While the operation of the above described stapling machine is believed to be self-evident from the description of the parts given, it is noted that at the start of a staple driving cycle the plunger Ill is in the uppermost position depicted in Figure 1l. The motivating force is now applied to move the plunger IQ downwardly. During the rst part of this downward motion the slider plate 39 is moved downwardly through the operating connections provided by the cam plate 21, cam slot portion 40, roller 35, and arm 31.

As the slider plate is so moved the anvils lli and 45 are moved downwardly, At nrst, this is a straight movement as provided for by the upper portions of the slots E@ and l. This will cause the pointed ends of the anvils to rst pierce the material being stapled. However, due to the lower inwardly converging portions of the cam slots 56 and 5l, this straight movement concludes with a bringing of the anvils together' into the clinching position depicted in Figure l5,

When this point is reached, the inclined leg of the cam slot 43 will have moved the roller i2 laterally and thereby cause the roller S5 to become positioned in the vertical portion 34 of the cam slot Sil-d in the plate 2?. Thus, the downward movement of the plunger it may be continued without imparting any movement to the slider plate 3S. As this downward movement of the plunger ld is continued the staple pusher 58 picks up a staple 59 and drives it onto the anvils d4 and d5. When so driven, the free ends oi the legs of the staple are received in and guided by the grooves 6G and iii. They are thereby clinched into the side by side overlapping relation depicted in Figure 16.

As the downward stroke of the plunger l0 is completed the actuating pressure is relieved, whereupon the springs 22 and 2;? move the plunger upwardly. During the nrst part of this movement the plate 2 will simply move past the roller 35 because the latter is received in the vertical component 34 of the cam slotl 35i-fill. However, as the upper movement is continued the inclined leg or the cam slot d3 will airect the roller 42 so as to move the roller 35 over into the horizontal component d of the cam slot 3ftd whereupon the driving relation between the cam plate 27 and slider plate Se is again established so that the plunger lo moves the slider plate upwardly and thereby retracts the anvils i6 and 45.

The modification The anvils which are depicted in Figures '7, 14, and 16 are particularly adapted to pierce material in that they are pointed. Under some conditions such as the application of stockinets to ham butts, the actual piercing is not required and the pointed ends may be eliminated. Figure l'l discloses a modified form of anvils in which the anvils 64 and 65 have rounded ends. However, these anvils are imparted the same compound movement above described and are actuated in the same manner as described in connection with the other gures of the drawings.

While preferred specic embodiments of the invention are hereinbefore set forth, it is to be clearly understood that the invention is not to be limited to the exact constructions, mechanisms, and devices illustrated and described because various modifications of these details may be provided in putting the invention into practice within the purview of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A stapling machine comprising a casing, an operating pressure cylinder, a plunger slidable in the casing associated with said cylinder, anvils slidable in said casing and operatively connected to the plunger, a slider upon which said anvils are pivotally mounted, rollers on said anvils extending into cam slots arranged in a plate secured to the casing, and an arm operatively connected to said plunger and slider for operation or the anvils.

2. A stapling machine comprising a casing, a

plunger slidable in said casing, anvils slidable in said casing, a slider upon which said anvils are pivotally mounted, a plate arranged in said casing, and having cam slots, means on said anvils cooperating with said cam slots for guiding the anvils to clinching position, an arm pivotally mounted on said slider, and a plate mounted on said plunger, and operatively associated with said arm.

3. In a stapling machine of the kind described, in combination, a casing, a plunger slidably mounted in the casing, a staple driving member carried by said plunger, a 4plate secured to the plunger and having a cam slot, a slide plate, an arm operably connected to said slide plate and angularly movable with respect thereto, means on said arm coactably engaged in said cam slot whereby said arm is |adapted to be movable relative to said plunger carried plate or operatively connected thereto, a ,pair of anvils hingedly connected to said slide plate, a guide plate secured within the casing and having cam slots formed therein, yand rollers on said anvils engaged in said last-mentioned cam slots.

4. In a stapling machine of the character described, the combination of -a casing, a plunger slidably mounted in said casing. a staple :driving member carried by said plunger, a .plate carried by said plunger and formed with a `cam slot, an arm, a projection extending from one end of said arm through said cam slot, said projection in one position providing for relative movement between said arm and plate and in another vposition operatively connecting said arm to said plate, said casing including a wall formed vwith another cam slot into which said projection extends, said last mentioned cam slot being adapted upon movement of said plate to move said .projection from one yof said positions to the other, a slide plate to which the other end of said arm is pivotally connected, a pair of anvils hingedly connected to said slide plate, a guide plate, and cooperating cam elements on said guide plate and anvils respectively for guiding said anvils in their movement.

5. In a stapling machine of the character described, a casing having an outer wall formed with a cam slot, a Iplunger slidably mounted in said casing, a staple driving member carried by said plunger, a plate carried by said plunger and formed with an L-shaped cam slot, an arm, a shaft extending from one end 0f said arm through both of said cam slots, a roller on said shaft received in said L-shaped cam slot, a second roller on said shaft received in said casing wall, .la slide plate to which the other end of said arm is pivotally connected, a ,pair of anvils pivotally connected to said slide plate, a guide plate formed with cam slots, and rollers carried by said anvils received in sai-d last mentioned cam slots for guiding said anvils in their movement.

6. Ina stapling machine 0f the kind described, a casing, a plunger movably mounted in the casing, a slider plate, `an arm pivotally mounted on said slider plate, operating connections between said arm and said plunger, a pair of anvils operatively connected to said slider plate, a staple pusher connected to the plunger, and coactive means arranged on the anvils and lca-sing to initially move and guide the anvils subsequently to the movement of the anvils to a staple-clinching position.

7. In a stapling machine of the kind described, in combination, a casing having an opening at its lower end, a plunger slida-bly mounted in said casing, :a sta-pling member rigidly secured to the plunger, a plate carried by said plunger and having an L-shaped cam slot, an arm having a projection extending into said slot whereby the location of said projection in one portion of said slot operatively connects said arm ,to said plate with said projection, when located in the other portion of said slot, .being slidable therein whereby said Y plate may move relative to said arm, a slider plate to which ysaid arm is pivotally connected, a, pair of anvils hingedly connected to said slider plate, other means having cam slots and secured within the casing, and cam rollers arranged on said anvils and movable in said last-mentioned cam slots; said opening in said casing permitting the anvils to engage the work.

8. In a stapling machine of the kind described, in combination, a casing having an open end, a plunger, mounted for reciprocation in said casing, a staple driving member secured to said plunger, a plate fastened to the plunger and having an L-shaped cam slot formed therein, a slider plate, an arm pivotally connected to said slider plate at one end, and means carried by said arm at the other end adapted to assume two different positions in said cam Slot, one of said positions providing reiative movement between said arm and plate that is carried by said plunger and the other operatively connecting said arm and plunger carried plate, anvils adapted to assume a retracted position within said casing and to protrude beyond said open end of said casing in clinching position, and a guide plate secured within the casing and having cam slots, said anvils having instrumentalities coactable with the last-mentioned cam slots; whereby as said plunger is operated said anvils will be initially protruded from without the casing and into clinching position, and said stapling driving member will subsequently be effective to thrust a staple into operative relation with said anvils.

9. In a staple machine of the kind described, the combination of a casing having an open end, a plunger slidably mounted in the casing, a staple driving member fastened to said plunger, a plate carried by said plunger and formed with an L-shaped cam slot, an arm having a projection at one end received in said slot and adapted to assume two positions therein, one of said positions providing relative movement between said arm and plate, and the other establishing an .operative connection between said arm and plate, a slider plate to which said arm is pivotally connected, a guide plate secured within the casing and having cam slots, a pair of anvils hingedly connected to said slider plate and adapted to assume either a retracted position within said casing or be protruded beyond said open end into clinching position, and rollers carried by said anvils and engaging the cam slots in said guide plate; whereby as said plunger is reciprocated the anvils will be initially protruded to a position elective for clinching a staple, and said stapling member will subsequently advance a staple into contact with said anvils to be clinched thereby.

l0. In a stapling machine of the kind described, in combination, a casing having an open end, a plunger slidably mounted in said casing, a staple driving member rigidly secured to the plunger, a plate carried by said plunger and having a cam slot, an arm having a projection extending into said slot whereby one position of said projection in said slot operatively connects said arm to said plate with said projection being slidable in said slot in another position whereby said plate may move relative to said arm, means for moving said projection from one of said positions to the other as an incident to movement of said plunger, a slider plate to which said arm is pivotally connected, a pair of anvils hingedly connected to said slider plate and adapted to assume a retracted position within said casing or be protruded beyond said open end in clinching position, other means having cam slots and secured within the casing, and cam rollers arranged on said anvils and movable in said last mentioned cam slot.

11. A stapling machine comprising a casing, a plunger slidable in said casing, a pair of cornplemental anvils slidable in said casing, each of said anvils having a guide groove which terminates at the end of the anvil in which it is formed, said anvils being adapted to assume a clinching position with the end of the guide groove in one anvil laterally oiset with respect to the end of the guide groove in the other anvil, a slider plate upon which said anvils are pivotally mounted, a plate arranged in said casing and having cam slots therein, means on said anvils cooperating with said cam slots for guiding the anvils to clinching position, an arm pivotally mounted on said slider plate, and a cam plate mounted on said plunger and operatively associated with said arm.

WERNER, SCHAFROTH.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,012,027 Taylor Aug. 20, 1935 2,182,594 Matveyeff Dec. 15, 1939 2,234,808 Schafroth Mar. 11, 1941 2,308,611 La. Place Jan. 19, 1943 2,413,617 Gershman Dec. 31, 1946 

